Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms, with millions of users sharing their lives through photos and videos. Unfortunately, the prevalence of cybercrimes and hacking attempts has also risen. In 2023, understanding how to recover a hacked Instagram account is essential for users to regain control and protect their personal information. This article provides a comprehensive guide on the steps you should take to recover a hacked Instagram account and prevent future breaches.
Which accounts are under risk?
Instagram accounts of any type and any size are at risk of being hacked. However, certain accounts may be more attractive targets for hackers due to their potential for financial gain, influence, or sensitive information. Here are some types of Instagram accounts that may be at higher risk of hacking:
Highly-followed accounts. Accounts with a large number of followers, especially those with verified badges, may be targeted for hacking to spread malicious content or scams to a broader audience.
Influencer accounts. Influencers often have a significant following and can be targeted to spread false information, phishing scams, or to damage their reputation.
Business accounts. Business accounts may be targeted for financial reasons, data breaches, or to disrupt their operations. Hacked business accounts can be used to post malicious links or defame the business.
Celebrity accounts. Celebrity accounts are attractive targets due to their large following. Hackers might aim to spread rumors, share sensitive information, or tarnish the celebrity's image.
Accounts associated with valuable brands. Accounts representing renowned brands may be targeted to damage the brand's reputation, share false information, or use the account for phishing scams.
Accounts with valuable personal information. Accounts that openly share personal information, such as travel plans, home addresses, or financial details, are at risk of being targeted for identity theft or fraud.
Accounts with weak security measures. Accounts with weak passwords, lack of two-factor authentication (2FA), and poor security practices are more susceptible to hacking attempts.
Accounts with conflict or controversial content. Accounts associated with controversial topics, activism, or conflicting ideologies may attract hackers who want to disrupt their message or spread misinformation.
Inactive or dormant accounts. Inactive accounts may be easier targets because the account owners might not notice the breach immediately, allowing hackers to exploit the account undetected for a longer period.
It's important to note that any Instagram account, regardless of its size or type, can be a target. Therefore, all users should follow best security practices, such as using strong passwords, enabling 2FA, being cautious of suspicious links or messages, and regularly monitoring account activity for any signs of unauthorized access. Education and vigilance are key to mitigating the risks associated with hacking.
So, how to get Instagram account back?
1. Recognize the signs of a hacked account
The first step in recovering a hacked Instagram account is to identify signs of a compromise. Common signs of a hacked account may include unauthorized posts, changed account information (e.g., username, email, phone number), unfamiliar followers, or being locked out of your own account.
2. Attempt to log in and report the issue
If you suspect your account has been hacked, try to log in to your account. If successful, change your password immediately to secure your account. If you are unable to log in, tap on the "Forgot password?" link to reset your password. Instagram will send a password reset link to the email associated with your account. Follow the instructions to reset your password.
Simultaneously, report the issue to Instagram by tapping on "Need more help?" after attempting to reset your password. Describe the situation and provide your account details, such as the username and the email or phone number linked to the account.
3. Contact Instagram support
In cases where the automated recovery process doesn't work, it's crucial to contact Instagram directly for assistance. Visit Instagram's Help Center and look for the "Report Something" section. Choose "Hacked Accounts" and follow the prompts to report the issue to Instagram. Include all necessary information and describe the situation in detail.
4. Verify your identity
Instagram may request additional information to verify your identity and confirm ownership of the account. Be prepared to provide a government-issued ID, a selfie holding the ID, and other details that can establish your identity. Instagram will review this information to ensure a secure recovery process.
5. Monitor your email and other accounts
While waiting for Instagram's response, monitor your email account associated with Instagram and any linked accounts for suspicious activity. Change passwords for these accounts to prevent further unauthorized access.
6. Implement security measures
To safeguard your Instagram account from future hacks, follow these security best practices:
- Use a strong, unique password: Create a complex password with a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easily guessable information like birthdays or names.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Activate 2FA for an extra layer of security. Instagram will send a verification code to your phone or email during the login process, enhancing account protection.
- Regularly update your password: Change your Instagram password periodically to maintain security and prevent unauthorized access.
- Monitor account activity: Regularly review your account for any suspicious activity.
7. Educate yourself and others
Stay informed about the latest hacking techniques and security measures to better protect your online presence. Share this knowledge with family and friends to ensure they're also aware of the risks and preventive measures.
Recovering a hacked Instagram account in 2023 requires a combination of prompt action, reporting to Instagram, verifying your identity, and implementing robust security measures. Additionally, maintaining awareness of potential hacking threats and practicing good cybersecurity habits are essential steps to prevent future compromises. By following these steps and staying vigilant, users can regain control of their accounts and enhance their online security.
Why is my instagram suspended for 24 hours?
Distinguishing between a suspended Instagram account and a hacked Instagram account is essential to take appropriate actions to regain control or resolve the issue. Here's how you can differentiate between the two scenarios.
Indications of a suspended Instagram account:
- Login issues with a specific message. When attempting to log in, you may receive a message stating that your account has been suspended, and you'll be provided with a reason for the suspension.
- Email notification from Instagram. Instagram typically sends an email informing you that your account has been suspended and often includes the reason for the suspension.
- Inability to perform actions. You may notice that you can't like, comment, follow, or perform certain actions on the platform, which can be indicative of a suspended account.
- Public profile becomes private. Your public Instagram profile may turn private during a suspension.
- Inability to access account settings. You may not be able to access your account settings or make changes to your profile during the suspension period.
Indications of a hacked Instagram account:
- Unauthorized activity. You notice posts, comments, likes, or follows that you didn't perform.
- Changed account information. Your username, email address, phone number, or other account information has been altered without your consent.
- Unknown or blocked followers/following. You observe unfamiliar accounts following you or you are following accounts you didn't choose to follow.
- Locked out of account. You are unable to log into your account because the password has been changed or you've been logged out.
- Unusual login activity notifications. You receive notifications from Instagram about login attempts from unfamiliar locations or devices.
- Strange direct messages. Your account sends direct messages to your followers that you didn't initiate or contain suspicious content.
Overall, Instagram can suspend an account temporarily for 24 hours or longer for various reasons. If your Instagram account has been suspended for 24 hours, it's likely due to a violation of Instagram's Community Guidelines or Terms of Service. Here are some common reasons why an account might be suspended for 24 hours.
Violating community guidelines. Instagram has strict guidelines that users must follow. Violations may include posting offensive or inappropriate content, hate speech, harassment, bullying, or engaging in spammy behavior. Using third-party apps or automation tools to excessively like, comment, follow, or unfollow accounts can also violate Instagram's policies and result in a temporary suspension.
In addition, sharing copyrighted content without proper authorization or giving credit to the owner can lead to a temporary suspension. Sharing content that promotes violence, self-harm, or graphic images can also violate Instagram's guidelines and result in a suspension.
Then, creating a profile that impersonates someone else or a business can lead to suspension. If other users report your account for violating Instagram's policies and these reports are validated, Instagram may temporarily suspend your account.
Finally, using hashtags that are banned or associated with violating content can result in a temporary suspension. Rapidly following and unfollowing a large number of accounts within a short period can be seen as spammy behavior and may result in a temporary suspension.
To address the suspension, you should wait for the 24-hour period to pass and refrain from violating Instagram's guidelines in the future. Take this time to review Instagram's policies and familiarize yourself with their guidelines to ensure your actions align with their rules and regulations. If you believe the suspension is an error, you can try contacting Instagram support through the app or website for clarification and assistance.
Summing up
Instagram, a popular social media platform, faces an increasing risk of cybercrimes and hacking attempts. Understanding how to recover a hacked Instagram account in 2023 is crucial for users to regain control and secure their personal information. This article provides a comprehensive guide on recovering a hacked Instagram account and preventing future breaches. It emphasizes that Instagram accounts of any type and size are susceptible to hacking, and users need to adopt strong security measures to mitigate these risks. Additionally, the article highlights indicators of both a suspended and hacked Instagram account, aiding users in identifying and addressing the issue appropriately. If an account is suspended, users should wait for the suspension to lift and adhere to Instagram's guidelines to avoid future violations. For hacked accounts, users should take prompt action, report the issue, verify their identity, monitor associated accounts, and enhance security measures to regain control and prevent future compromises. Education and vigilance are emphasized to maintain online security effectively.
Any questions left?
We are Instajet.io - a service that helps advertisers find their audience through integrations with influencers, handpicked by our team. All you need to do is to register on our website, and start picking influencers that fit your brand - hundreds of them in one place, eager for cooperation!
Follow our Telegram channel. Here you will find many useful materials for your ad campaigns and promo codes for your integrations. Otherwise, you can also contact us via the form on the website or via our email info@instajet.io. Our support team will be happy to help you!
